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Echinacea - good or bad for Type 2 Diabetes

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FayKaz

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3
Location
Chiswick, London
Hi
I have been ill with 'flu in November and a chest infection this month. I had the 'flu jab last year and the year before, both times got the 'flu so this year I thought I'd see what would happen if I went without! My GP insists on me having the 'flu jab next week as well as the jab for pneumonia.
Echinacea has been bandied about amongst my family but I read that Diabetics shouldn't have it but I don't know why. My blood glucose is not good, it's never below 9, I am on Novorapid, Levemir and Metformin. I have an appt in March with the diabetic clinic and want to show them I have improved. I am 5'4" and 13st 7lbs, I have lost a few lbs within in the month but obviously want to weigh less.

Does anyone know anything about Echinacea because in total I have been off work for 4 weeks in total within 2 months and I want to help my immune system and with the news of a 'flu epidemic hitting Britain I don't want to take time off work again! Thank you!
 
I've never used it. I tend to think herbal remedies have a minor effect on ailments, but my tests are one/one so are not statistical.

There are suggestions that it can have a negative effect on diabetics:
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0897.htm
However, says Bauer, 'Echinacea preparations have to be taken at the first signs of a cold'. Don't wait a few days - or even 24 hours - if you expect to get any benefits. And be wary of ingesting Echinacea if you are allergic to plants of the Compositae family, including ragweed, dandelion, feverfew, sneezeweed and tansy as well as cultivated varieties like asters, cornflowers, dahlias, daisies and sunflowers. Echinacea preparations should be avoided by patients with tuberculosis, leukocyte disorders, collagen problems, multiple sclerosis, HIV infections, and autoimmune diseases, because of lack of clinical experience and research. And, according to Dr Bauer, Echinacea has been associated with worsening of metabolic status in people with diabetes.
Click to expand...
 
I believe nature is a good doctor, but find that walking about in it suits me best and diet too. If you are having trouble with those numbers, have you tried a reduced carb diet? What you haven't eaten, cannot appear in your blood.
I know not everyone finds low carb suits them, but no-one has ever said it hurt them or made their BG control worse.
I'm not fit enough to do vigorous stuff like jogging, but I do walk. I've done about 4 miles through the Thames Valley this morning, including a steep hill.
 
I dont remember where it was published or by who but there was a study about a year ago on echinacia and the basis of it was that it was useless and did not prevent illnesses. However anecdotally I have teacher friends who swear by it but they arent diabetic. It is often the case with alot of these supplements there isn't alot of good research.
 
Thank you, your comments have been noted.
I do sometimes have a low carb diet but feel lightheaded and scared of getting a hypo when I do try this diet. I have to admit when my blood glucose goes below 8 I feel as if I'm having a hypo but surprised to see I'm still above 7 - is this because I'm used to feeling better when it is higher than the normal 4 - 7?
Once again, thank you.
 
One of my patients did her degree project on Echinachea and says it does not work.

Zinc supplements to prevent your next cold is probably a better bet.
 
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